Demonstration in Slough 1999

Update:
22nd November 1999 - Clive has e-mailed me to say that we've had a letter from the Council and he suggests parking bikes 3/4 to a parking place since there's not much point in upsetting the public. Click here for the letter - no mention of Sarah's letter sent in September and it sounds a bit like we're going in circles but at least they've agreed funding for the parking.

Update:
26th November 1999 - Clive came to our regular meeting on Tuesday and discussed the letter and we considered what to do. We decided to go ahead with the demonstration but rather than being a demonstration, it will be more of a 'Bike promotion' or 'Bike awareness' type of event.

There will be a run out from the Flags at 7.45AM by a few early risers to reserve some parking spaces for anyone who wants to come a little later.

Please add your support to the car park demonstration on the 4th of December 1999. We intend to park 3/4 motorcycles to a car parking place in the open air car park on Herschel street in Slough. Ideally arrive before 8.30 am to beat the shoppers but as long as you're there before it all ends (about 12 noon) then we'd appreciate your support. As last year, the demonstration will be legal, each motorcyclist (or scooterist or moped rider) must display a valid parking ticket and park within the marked bays.

Click here for a map. It's in the square in the bottom left of the page, the top most 'P' on Herschel Street.

Why are we doing it? The letter shown below sent by Clive (Thames Valley MAG area rep) on the 8th November, sumarises the situation. For more info on the situation click here or for the newspaper cutting click here.

Flyer for before demo - here
Flyer during demo - here (may have to update this in light of letter)

Party in the evening! - here

Letter sent by Clive -

Dear Mr. Boylan

A little over a year ago members of Windsor and District MAG began correspondence about motorcycle parking in Slough. This resulted in a meeting attended by yourself, one of your colleagues, me, a member of the BMF, and a representative of the motorcycle trade. I thought it was a very positive and constructive meeting, and was encouraged to read soon afterwards the draft Slough Local Transport plan, which among other things agreed with us that "there is no dedicated motorcycle parking provision in Slough" (para. 7.13.19). It further suggested that "motorcycle parking provision is introduced to cater for commuting, business and shopping trips" (para. 7.13.20).

So far, so good - but so far, no bike parking!

We would like to know when and where some motorcycle parking may be provided. It is possible that some has been installed and we have not noticed it, so the group plans to go on an expedition on Saturday 4th December. We intend to explore Slough town centre in minute detail, seeking signs of bike parks. Many of our fellow members from MAG groups in Reading, Newbury, Wycombe, South Oxon., West Oxon. and North Bucks will no doubt be intrigued, and join us on this quest. Maps and opera glasses will be provided, and the day could easily take on the character of a treasure hunt, with lavish and extravagant prizes for the first person to find some dedicated bike parking.

I look forward to an early reply.

Best regards

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